Garage Climate Control Options

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Air Conditioning Window Unit

The old standby for adding supplemental air conditioning to hot rooms, window units have become more sophisticated and more powerful. This Frigidaire FFRE15L3Q1 unit can cool a room up to 850 square feet (roughly 29 feet by 29 feet), features remote control operation, and has a timer.

Air Conditioning and Heat Window Unit

The convenience and ease of a window unit isn't limited to air conditioning. Some, such as the Amana AE093E35AX, offer both air conditioning and supplemental heating. This unit works in a 400-square-foot space (20 feet by 20 feet).

Portable Air Conditioner and Heater

Portable air conditioners, which can be rolled from room to room, have become more popular in recent years. This Idylis 0530393 unit combines both an air conditioner and heater and has a 550-square-foot room capacity. It also can work as a dehumidifier and has options for direct drain lines and direct exhaust.

Dehumidifier

Moisture can be an issue in a garage, so a dehumidifier is a must to help keep tools from rusting and craft supplies from being ruined. This Aeon Air WDH-945EL can cover a huge space (2,000 square feet) with its 45-pint capacity. You can even hook up a direct drain line so you don’t have to empty the collection basin.

Ductless

Ductless heating and cooling systems have become more popular in recent years because they don’t require running a system of ductwork with vents in ceilings or floors — ideal for a garage remodel. As with a central heating and cooling system, this Toshiba model incorporates an outdoor unit in addition to an indoor unit. These are directly connected through an exterior wall, with the interior unit blowing the conditioned air into the space.

Central Units

The most expensive option is to add a separate central heating and cooling system, just as you would in the home. You can tie into the existing system if your garage is attached (this has limitations, such as return placements, so check local codes). Plan for ductwork and vent installation, as well as space inside for the interior component and space outside for the outdoor component.

Thermostats/Controls

With central units, the right thermostat is important for maintaining comfort as well as energy efficiency.